Major U.S. Indexes End Mixed After Volatile Session; Microsoft Slumps, Meta Rallies

U.S. equities closed with muted moves Thursday (January 29, 2026) despite intraday swings, as a steep drop in Microsoft following earnings offset gains in Meta Platforms. The S&P 500 fell 0.1% to 6,969.01 after swinging between a record high and a 1.5% midday loss. The Dow rose 0.1% to 49,071.56, while the Nasdaq dropped 0.7% to 23,685.12. The Russell 2000 edged up less than 0.1%. Oil prices climbed and Treasury yields dipped. Year-to-date, the Russell 2000 leads with a 7% gain, outpacing the S&P 500 (+1.8%), Nasdaq (+1.9%), and Dow (+2.1%).